I Am With You

Scripture 
Acts 18:9  One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you because I have many people in this city."

Observation
God encourages Paul in a vision "Don't be afraid" - Have no fear Paul.  "Keep speaking" - You are doing good Paul; what you are saying is what I want you to say.  "Do not be silent" - Say it Paul!  Speak it out!  "I Am with you"; the comfort of knowing God is there.  "No one is going to attack and harm you", - There's peace, safety, and security in knowing God is watching my back.  "Because I have many people in this city." - God knows those who belong to Him and right where they are!

Application
God will guide and direct our paths as we trust in Him.  He reassures us with His comforting presence - "I Am with you".  Nothing else matters when the Lord is with me.  Just as Moses said in Exodus 33:14-15, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here".  God says, I Am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you.  I have people in that city - my people who will pray for you, feed you, clothe you, be a friend to you, and provide what is needed for you.   God was letting Paul know - you are not alone!  And neither am I.  God assures us of His presence, His protection, His provision, and wants us to speak His word.  Go and tell the world what great things God has done in your life.   1 Peter 4:11 says "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever, A-men.

Prayer
Father, You are with me, You protect me, and You provide for me.  May You be glorified with the words I speak in Your Name.  A-men.